Guides and maintenance
Guides to car maintenance, mechanics and driving.
26 published guides
How to Choose the Best Material for Your Car's Wheels
Compare wheel materials, their advantages and drawbacks, and the factors to consider when choosing wheels for your car.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Boxer Engine
Learn how boxer engines are arranged and compare their advantages and drawbacks, including balance, packaging and maintenance access.
How is an engine's displacement calculated?
Learn how bore, stroke and cylinder count determine engine displacement, with the formula and examples explained step by step.
Symptoms of a Faulty Engine Control Unit (ECU) and Repair Costs
Learn about symptoms associated with ECU faults, how they can affect engine operation and the diagnosis and repair options discussed in this guide.
What Is the Normal Operating Temperature of an Engine? What Should I Do If It Overheats?
Understand engine operating temperatures, common causes of overheating and the precautions discussed when the temperature starts to rise.
EGR Valve: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Clean It in Your Car
Learn what the EGR valve does, how faults can affect engine operation and what to consider before cleaning or replacing it.
Volkswagen Group Oil Classification. Specifications and Equivalencies
Understand Volkswagen oil approvals, their relationship to SAE viscosity grades and which specification to check for your engine.
Is it bad to always leave the OBD2 scanner plugged into the car?
Explore the potential risks of leaving an OBD2 device connected, including battery drain, connector wear and distractions while driving.
Pros and Cons of 3-Cylinder Engines
Explore the benefits and limitations of three-cylinder engines, including fuel consumption, vibration, performance and running costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Brake Pads Yourself?
Review the parts, tools and safety considerations involved in replacing brake pads, and what affects the cost of doing the job yourself.
Symptoms of Oil in a Clutch
Explore symptoms of clutch contamination, possible sources of oil or hydraulic fluid leaks and why the cause needs to be identified.
Best First Cars for New Drivers
Explore small cars for new drivers, with notes on reliability, ease of use and running costs when choosing a first car.
What Happens If My Car’s Serpentine Belt Breaks?
See which systems can stop working when a serpentine belt breaks and why the consequences depend on the engine and accessory layout.
Types of brake fluids. Complete guide and classification
Compare brake fluid types, DOT ratings and their main differences. Learn why compatibility and the vehicle manufacturer's specification matter.
How do I know if my car has a timing belt or a timing chain?
Do you need to find out your car's timing system? In this article, we will show you how to identify whether a vehicle is belt or chain-driven.
Signs That a Timing Belt Is About to Break
Read about symptoms associated with timing belt problems, possible causes and the maintenance checks discussed in this guide.
What’s a better deal: a car with a timing belt or one with a timing chain?
Should I get a car with a timing belt, or choose a timing chain? Here's an extensive comparison of both timing systems.
Everything You Need to Know About Gasoline Octane Ratings
Find out what octane ratings measure, how they relate to engine knock and why choosing the fuel grade specified for your car matters.
Symptoms of a Worn Clutch in an Automatic Transmission Car
Explore slipping, poor acceleration and other symptoms associated with clutch wear in automatic transmissions, and when diagnosis is needed.
Symptoms Your Timing Chain is Defective or About to Break
Although it is not common, the timing chain can break and thus cause serious damage to the engine of our vehicle. Learn how to detect a malfunction.
How to do Maintenance on Your Timing Chain. Tips and Tricks to Extend Its Service Life
Learn how to maintain your vehicle's timing chain. Avoid breakage and unnecessary wear with this simple guide.
What Happens If My Car’s Timing Belt Breaks?
Read about timing belt failure, the possible damage it can cause and the symptoms and maintenance considerations discussed in this guide.
Signs That Your Car's Water Pump Is Failing
Coolant leaks, unusual noises and overheating can accompany water pump problems. Learn what the pump does and which symptoms warrant attention.
How to Find an Honest and Trustworthy Mechanic
What to look for when choosing a mechanic: recommendations, workshop credentials, estimates and warning signs to consider before booking repairs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Car with a Timing Chain
Explore timing chain maintenance, reliability and replacement costs, with the advantages and drawbacks of choosing a car that uses a chain.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Car with a Timing Belt
Compare timing belt costs, noise and maintenance requirements, and learn which factors matter when choosing a belt-driven engine.